The price is not the whole cost of buying in Dubai. Government and registration fees, and any agency or mortgage costs, usually add several percent. Here are the main items, as listed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
The main purchase costs
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DLD transfer / registration fee | 4% of the price | The DLD tariff splits it 2% buyer and 2% seller, but by market convention the buyer usually pays the full 4%. |
| Title deed and map fees | AED 250 + AED 250, plus AED 20 knowledge and innovation fees | As listed by DLD for a sale registration. |
| Trustee office fee (resale) | AED 4,000 + VAT (AED 2,000 + VAT under AED 500,000) | Paid at the Real Estate Registration Trustee office on transfer day. |
| Mortgage registration | 0.25% of the loan, plus bank fees | Only if you finance the purchase. |
| Agency commission (resale) | Usually 2% + VAT | Agreed in writing before you commit. |
Property Finder’s worked example puts total purchase costs at roughly 6–8% of the price, depending on financing and agency fees (Property Finder).
Off-plan purchases
For off-plan (initial) sales, the DLD fee is also 4% under the tariff (2% developer and 2% purchaser), plus AED 10 knowledge and AED 10 innovation fees. In practice developers commonly ask the buyer to pay the full 4% unless a fee-waiver promotion applies. It is due when the sale is registered on DLD’s Oqood system, which must happen within 90 days of signing the Sale and Purchase Agreement (Dubai Land Department).
A worked example
Illustrative arithmetic only, for a 30/70 plan on an AED 2,000,000 apartment:
- Booking (10%): AED 200,000
- During construction (20%): AED 400,000 in instalments
- On handover (70%): AED 1,400,000, in cash or with a mortgage
- Plus the DLD fee (4%): AED 80,000, and registration charges
Each developer sets its own schedule in the SPA, so this is not a specific project’s plan.
Running costs to factor in
After purchase, service charges (which vary widely by building), maintenance, and any letting or management fees reduce your net return. Our rental yield calculator lets you test these on a specific property.
See the full cost table with sources and the buying process. We set out the costs for your purchase in writing before you reserve: request an estimate.
Checked on 12 October 2026. General information only, not financial, legal or tax advice. Prices, availability, fees and rules change: confirm the details for your purchase with us before acting.
